Glutathione Niacinamide Eye Cream
Glutathione Niacinamide Eye Cream
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight, fast-absorbing eye cream featuring LIPO GLUTA NIAC CEN™ 27.4% complex with 2% Niacinamide, 0.1% Glutathione, and 25.3% Centella Asiatica Extract to brighten dark circles, firm delicate under-eye skin, and smooth fine lines while soothing sensitive skin with Centella 3x Complex™.
Brightening Complex
LIPO GLUTA NIAC CEN™ 27.4% combines Glutathione, Niacinamide, and Centella to visibly brighten dark circles and even skin tone.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBrightening Complex
LIPO GLUTA NIAC CEN™ 27.4% combines Glutathione, Niacinamide, and Centella to visibly brighten dark circles and even skin tone.
Centella 3x Complex™
Triple-action Centella with Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, and Asiatic Acid to calm, repair, and strengthen delicate eye area skin.
Firming Action
Adenosine and Hydrolyzed Collagen work together to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Deep Hydration
Hyaluronic Acid, Beta-Glucan, and Shea Butter provide multi-layer moisture without heaviness or greasiness.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFree from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains Saccharomyces Ferment, Macadamia Oil, and Stearic Acid which may feed fungal acne. Avoid if prone to malassezia.
Rating 1/5. While Beeswax has mild comedogenic potential, the overall formula is unlikely to clog pores for most skin types.
Dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic, and passed skin irritation tests. EWG Green-rated ingredients. Suitable for contact lens wearers.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCentella Asiatica Extract 25.3%Proven
Also known as Cica or Tiger Grass, this powerhouse ingredient soothes inflammation, promotes wound healing, and strengthens the skin barrier. At 25.3%, it's the star of this formula.
- Clinical Studies: Shown to increase collagen synthesis by up to 2x and accelerate wound healing
- Mechanism: Contains triterpenoids (madecassoside, asiaticoside) that stimulate collagen production
- Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, barrier repair, anti-aging, soothing for sensitive skin
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) 2%Proven
A multitasking ingredient that brightens dark circles, strengthens the skin barrier, reduces fine lines, and improves overall skin texture without irritation.
- Clinical Studies: 2-5% concentration proven to reduce hyperpigmentation by 35-68% in 8-12 weeks
- Mechanism: Inhibits melanosome transfer, boosts ceramide synthesis, increases NAD+ production
- Benefits: Brightening, barrier support, anti-aging, sebum regulation
Glutathione 0.1%Promising
A powerful antioxidant naturally found in the body. When applied topically, it helps brighten skin by inhibiting melanin production and provides antioxidant protection.
- Research: Studies show topical glutathione can reduce melanin index and improve skin brightness
- Mechanism: Inhibits tyrosinase enzyme and converts eumelanin to lighter pheomelanin
- Synergy: Works synergistically with Niacinamide for enhanced brightening effects
Adenosine 0.04%Proven
A naturally occurring compound that promotes collagen production and has proven anti-wrinkle benefits. Approved in Korea as an effective anti-wrinkle ingredient at 0.04%.
- Regulatory Status: Approved by Korean FDA as functional anti-wrinkle ingredient
- Clinical Studies: Shown to reduce wrinkle depth by 15-20% over 4 weeks at 0.04%
- Benefits: Stimulates collagen, smooths fine lines, improves skin firmness
Sodium Hyaluronate N/AProven
A smaller molecular weight form of Hyaluronic Acid that penetrates deeper into the skin, providing intense hydration and plumping effects for the delicate eye area.
- Hydration: Can hold up to 1000x its weight in water
- Penetration: Lower molecular weight allows better absorption than standard HA
- Benefits: Deep hydration, plumping, reduced appearance of fine lines
49 ingredients
Water, Centella Asiatica Extract (25.3%), Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Niacinamide (20,000ppm), Beeswax, Stearic Acid, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Silica, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glyceryl Stearate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Betaine, Glutathione (1,000ppm), Trehalose, Adenosine, Citric Acid, Trideceth-10, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Citrate, Nelumbo Nucifera Extract, Artemisia Annua Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cholesterol, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Arginine, Squalane, Beta-Glucan, Dipropylene Glycol, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Propanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply after lighter serums but before heavier moisturizers. Use both AM and PM for best results. Works well under makeup.
How to use
HOW TO USEDispense Product
Take a pea-sized amount (about the size of a grain of rice for each eye) onto your ring finger. A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.
Apply in Dots
Gently dot the cream around the entire eye area including under-eye, outer corners (crow's feet area), and along the brow bone.
Pat & Massage
Using your ring finger (it applies the least pressure), gently pat and tap the cream into skin using outward and upward motions until fully absorbed.
Morning & Night
Use twice daily for optimal results. In the morning, follow with moisturizer and sunscreen. At night, apply as the final step before sleeping mask (if using).
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dark circles and want brightening benefits
- You need hydration without heavy, greasy formulas
- You have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses
- You want anti-aging benefits with gentle ingredients
- You prefer fragrance-free K-beauty products
- You're looking for a budget-friendly eye cream
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia) - contains ferments
- You need heavy-duty anti-aging (no retinol)
- You want significant depuffing (no caffeine)
- You prefer larger product sizes
- You're allergic to bee products (contains beeswax)
- You need strong wrinkle correction
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight, fast-absorbing formula won't add shine or greasiness. Niacinamide helps regulate oil production around the eye area.
Provides good hydration with Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter, and Squalane. Very dry skin may benefit from layering with a richer moisturizer.
Perfectly balanced formula that hydrates without being too heavy. Absorbs quickly and works well for combination skin types.
Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologically tested. Centella Asiatica provides soothing benefits. Passed skin irritation tests.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5). However, those with fungal acne should avoid due to ferments and certain oils in the formula.
Adenosine and Collagen provide anti-aging benefits. For deeper wrinkles, consider pairing with a retinol product (used at different times).
Results timeline
WEEK 10-12Immediate Hydration & Comfort
Skin feels moisturized and comfortable immediately. Lightweight texture absorbs well and sits nicely under makeup. Sensitive skin should see reduced irritation from the soothing Centella.
85% noticed improved hydrationTexture Improvement
Skin around eyes begins to feel smoother. Fine dehydration lines may appear less noticeable. Early brightening effects may begin to show as Niacinamide works on pigmentation.
70% noticed softer skin textureVisible Brightening
Dark circles begin to appear lighter as Glutathione and Niacinamide inhibit melanin production. Overall eye area looks more refreshed and awake.
60% noticed brighter under-eyesFirming & Anti-Aging Benefits
With consistent use, Adenosine and Collagen deliver firming benefits. Fine lines appear softened. Skin barrier is strengthened from Centella and Niacinamide.
55% noticed reduced fine linesRatings by platform
660+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs instantly
- Fragrance-free and gentle for sensitive eyes
- Works well under makeup without pilling
- High concentration of Centella (25.3%) for soothing
- Affordable price point for K-beauty quality
- Safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding
- No irritation even for contact lens wearers
- Clean ingredient list with EWG Green rating
Criticized
- Small size (20ml) doesn't last long with daily use
- Not fungal acne safe (contains ferments)
- No caffeine for depuffing benefits
- Results take 6-8+ weeks for brightening
- Tube packaging less hygienic than airless pump
- May not be rich enough for very dry skin
- No retinol for serious anti-aging concerns
- Contains beeswax (not vegan)
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES40.5% Propolis instead of Centella focus. Also contains Niacinamide and Idebenone for anti-aging. Larger size (30ml) but similar per-ml cost. Better for those wanting antioxidant focus over cica benefits.
Ceramide-based formula with Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid. More focus on barrier repair than brightening. Fragrance-free and widely available at drugstores. Missing the Centella and Glutathione benefits.
Lighter serum texture with caffeine for depuffing (which APLB lacks). Contains Green Tea antioxidants instead of Centella. Better for puffiness; APLB better for soothing and brightening.
Snail mucin-based with peptides for anti-aging. Different active approach but similar K-beauty philosophy. Better for repair and anti-aging; APLB better for brightening and soothing.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Use within one year of first use for optimal efficacy and safety.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep at room temperature (15-25°C / 59-77°F). No refrigeration needed but can be stored cool for a refreshing application.
Squeeze tube with screw cap. Allows controlled dispensing but not fully airless. Keep cap tightly closed after use to prevent oxidation.
Yes, TSA-compliant at 20ml (under 100ml/3.4oz limit). Compact tube design fits easily in carry-on liquids bag.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this eye cream is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain any ingredients of concern such as retinoids (retinol, retinal, tretinoin), salicylic acid (BHA), hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or high-dose vitamin A derivatives. The formula relies on pregnancy-safe ingredients like Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica, Hyaluronic Acid, and Glutathione for its brightening and anti-aging benefits. However, as with any new product during pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
No, this eye cream is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast: Saccharomyces Ferment (a fermented ingredient), Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Stearic Acid (a fatty acid), and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. If you're prone to fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis, especially around the eye area, consider alternatives like CeraVe Eye Repair Cream which is fungal acne safe.
Yes, but with timing considerations. The formula is compatible with most actives. With Retinol: Apply eye cream first, wait 5-10 minutes, then apply retinol (avoid direct eye area with retinol). With Vitamin C: The Niacinamide in this cream pairs well with Vitamin C; apply Vitamin C serum first, then eye cream. With AHA/BHA: Apply acids to face (avoiding eye area), then apply this eye cream as a protective, soothing barrier. The Centella content helps calm any potential irritation from acids. For sensitive skin, consider using actives and this eye cream at different times (AM/PM split).
This eye cream works well for most skin types but is especially excellent for: Sensitive skin (fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, high Centella content), Oily and combination skin (lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-greasy), and Normal skin seeking brightening benefits. It's also good for dry skin though very dry skin may want to layer with a richer moisturizer. The main exception is those with fungal acne who should avoid this product. Contact lens wearers report no issues with this formula.
Results timeline varies by concern: Hydration and comfort are immediate (within first application). Texture improvement typically appears in 2-4 weeks. Visible brightening of dark circles usually takes 6-8 weeks of consistent twice-daily use, as Niacinamide and Glutathione work gradually to inhibit melanin production. Firming and fine line improvement may take 8-12 weeks. For best results, use consistently morning and night. Remember that individual results vary based on the severity of concerns and skin's response.
Apply this eye cream as step 4 in a typical Korean skincare routine: after cleansing, toner, and essence/serum, but before your facial moisturizer and sunscreen (AM). The order is: 1) Cleanser → 2) Toner → 3) Essence/Serum → 4) Eye Cream (this product) → 5) Moisturizer → 6) Sunscreen (AM only). At night, you can follow with a sleeping mask as the final step. Apply to clean, slightly damp skin for better absorption. Use both morning and night for optimal results.
This eye cream has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5, meaning it's unlikely to clog pores for most people. While it contains Beeswax (comedogenic rating 0-2) and some oils, the overall formula is designed to be non-comedogenic. The product is also marked as suitable for acne-prone skin by multiple reviewers. However, if you're extremely prone to milia (small white bumps) around the eyes or have highly congestion-prone skin, patch test first. Apply a thin layer rather than heavy application to minimize any risk.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for best efficacy and safety. The 20ml tube, with twice-daily use (AM and PM) using a rice-grain sized amount per eye, typically lasts 6-8 weeks. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and always close the cap tightly after use. If the product changes color, texture, or smell before 12 months, discontinue use. Note the opening date on the tube with a permanent marker for reference.
Verdict: The APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Eye Cream is an excellent value-driven K-beauty eye cream that delivers on its brightening and soothing promises. With an impressive 25.3% Centella Asiatica Extract and effective levels of Niacinamide (2%) and Adenosine, it offers meaningful anti-aging and brightening benefits without irritation. The lightweight, fragrance-free formula absorbs quickly and works beautifully under makeup.Best for: Those seeking affordable brightening for dark circles, sensitive skin users, and anyone wanting pregnancy-safe anti-aging eye care.Consider alternatives if: You have fungal acne, need strong depuffing (no caffeine), or want retinol-level anti-wrinkle power. At around $12-14 for 20ml, it punches well above its price point in the competitive K-beauty eye cream market.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing, Tonic
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Skin Conditioning, Emolient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|







